SHF 48 Hour response – 2023: White Nile:

insecurity is another factor that creates instability and leads large numbers of IDPs to move to safe states, particularly White Nile State. The critical needs are rapidly multiplying in GVB and CP issues and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance. In addition to that the IDPs within WNS exposed to grave sexual violence such as rape, harassment, and PSEA as well as women and children risks increased dramatically (e.g. child abuse, child neglect, separation from primary caregivers, harmful cultural practices including child labor and recruitment ), limited access to houses as well as lack of access to water, shelter, health services and cash to buy food, among the gap identified that has contributed significantly to an already bad situation With the current humanitarian gap that assessed. Besides that, no physical response is in place yet and an urgent lifesaving response is needed. The continuous fighting led to a total deterioration of the security situation and insighted violence deeply among the affected population in their daily life. NADA has implemented several SHF programs and has established a strong presence in all of the targeted states. NADA’s experience in protection programming and preposition of staff and expertise allows for the rapid start-up of project activities, access to monitor and report on issues and concerns as well as the provision of timely, better coordinated, and well-informed emergency response when necessary.

Khartoum:

. NADA aims to improve protection and dignity among IDPs through integrated CP and GBV activities to mend the broken social fabric and enhance resilience while raising awareness of critical protection risks and normalizing documentation, reporting, and treatment of such occurrences. NADA will maintain a coordination process in the project locations to ensure maximum service impacts among beneficiaries that received it from different service providers. Also the Coordination with the community protection social networks NADA will strengthen to monitor any violations against the rights of the newly displaced people as well as the coordination with the service providers to facilitate access to the services.         NADA team on the ground through our community based integrated approach and well-trained social workers and psychologists are providing case management services including follow up and referral services to the most vulnerable GBV and SGBV cases. Despite the poor connectively Strong coordination and referral is taking place and urgent needs of cases were addressed.

Central Darfur:

The situation has been tense and unpredictable in Central Darfur State since the crisis broke out on 15 April 2023. The situation was associated with the emergence of gangs, local markets have been looted, nomad settlements burned; insecurity remains high and there are fears among IDPs who became unable to pursue their normal lives, In addition to that fighting spread on the main roads linking Zalingei. Currently, NADA outreach reported that a majority of IDPs who were exposed to grave violations of GBV such as rape and harassment put IDPs women and children at high risk. Large numbers of children are violated and exposed to harmful cultural practices including child labor and recruitment as well as separation from primary caregivers and families, limited access to houses as well and lack of access to water, shelter, health services, and social protection assistance. The gap that was assessed has contributed significantly to the deterioration of the protection situation that already exists while no major physical response is in place to meet the IDPs' needs promptly,hence This intervention is crucial to extend integrated CP and GBV lifesaving activities; there is a huge gap in protection services in the project's proposed locations. This project is designed to contribute to the reduction of protection risks and increased resilience through several carefully designed activities such as provision of MHPSS services, Case management, distribution of DK and awareness raising campaigns and sessions specially designed to address the risks of mines and unexploded ordinance.

North Darfur:

Since 15 April 2023, armed clashes that erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in multiple cities across Sudan including Alfashar in North Darfur State resulted in killings mass of civilians as well as the destruction total of towns including injuring women, children and men. The situation needs a stronger international response to the widening conflict in a particularly NDS. Currently, NADA conducted a needs assessment on 23,6,2023, which cleared that a majority of IDPs who exposed to grave GBV such as rape, PSEA, and harassment. Risks of children increased (e.g., child abuse, child neglect, separation from primary caregivers, harmful cultural practices including child labor and recruitment), limited access to houses, as well as lack of access to water, shelter, health services, and cash to buy their necessities goods, are threaten they're live. The gaps that were assessed have contributed significantly to an already existing while no physical response is in place to meet their needs promptly. An urgent lifesaving response is needed for all entire displaced, hence the conflict was continuous, and even if was ended, it is not expected that the situation could be improved soon due to the destruction of infrastructure and governmental institutions and public services. Also, the continuous fighting led to a total deterioration of the security situation, deeply rooted violence among the affected population in their daily life, and increased looting practiced by criminal gangers in NDS. NADA has implemented several SHF programs and has established a strong presence in North Darfur State, the intervention was designed specifically to respond to the unique situation of North Darfur IDPs by providing tailored MHPSS services ,awareness raising and provision of case management and FTR services in addition to distribution of direct support to PWDs.

USAID- Central Darfur:

The protracted conflict between Sudan Army Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), now in its eleventh month, has resulted in a significant exodus of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing their residences to seek safety in areas unaffected by the fighting. This mass displacement has placed considerable strain on host states and exacerbated the already fragile availability of essential services. Families, comprising a substantial number of women, girls, elderly individuals, and children, find themselves residing in makeshift settlements lacking adequate protection.

The situation in CD State has remained tense and volatile since the onset of the crisis in April 15, 2023. Incidents of lawlessness, including the activities of criminal gangs, looting of local markets, and destruction of nomadic settlements, have been widespread. Insecurity prevails, hindering the ability of IDPs to resume normal life activities. Moreover, the conflict has spilled over onto major transportation routes connecting Zalingei.

Reports from NADA outreach indicate a concerning prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and child grievance among IDPs, with numerous cases involving rape and harassment, particularly affecting women, and children. Children are particularly vulnerable, facing exploitation through labor and recruitment, as well as separation from their families. Access to basic necessities such as housing, water, healthcare, and social protection remains severely limited, exacerbating the already dire circumstances.

The identified gaps in protection services have significantly worsened the existing precarious situation, with inadequate measures in place to address the urgent needs of IDPs. Among the most prevalent GBV violations in CD are sexual violence, early and forced marriage, intimate partner violence, and organized GBV crimes, including illegal immigration and forced sex work. Disturbingly high incidences of sexual violence, including rape, assault, exploitation, and physical abuse, have been documented.

Unfortunately, access to survivor-centered legal protection and justice mechanisms is severely constrained, leading to instances where SGBV survivors, particularly women and girls, are coerced into marrying their perpetrators due to a lack of informed decision-making resources. Furthermore, the scarcity of specialized services heightens the risks of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. The breakdown of political, economic, and social structures during conflict has also facilitated a surge in trafficking, forced recruitment, and abduction, with individuals resorting to perilous routes in the absence of viable alternatives. Notably, the normalization of GBV compounds pre-existing discrimination, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations. In addition, the dynamics of this conflict have had and continue to have a significant impact on the crisis, the CD state currently being under rule of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Under these circumstances NADA will work with impartiality, not compromising the organization’s neutrality.

RRF – 2023 - Halfa:

The multi-sectoral project addressed the urgent lifesaving integrated CP, GBV and general protection (GP) of the new IDPs who fled their areas after theclashes between SAF and RSF on April 15^th. The project contributed to the reduction of incidents and effects of violence, abuse and exploitation and provided life-saving assistance in the  form of essential protection services, particularly addressing the special protection needs of extremely vulnerable population communities through the establishment and training of Complaint and Response Committees (CRCs) and referral mechanisms, provision of Psychosocial support services (PSS) , local capacity enhancement through awareness-raising, provision of direct support and assistance, including provision of comprehensive case management for CP, GBV survivors and people with disability, and distribution of  basic personal  hygiene kits (PHKs) and mobility  aids , assistive devices and clothes. The project enhanced the resilience of Health Care Workers (HCWs) through conducting training on psychological first aid (PFA) which is very vital for comprehensive provision of PSS. As part of the direct support, the project provided cash assistance to access medical treatment for patients with serious medical conditions as well as support and follow up on referral of urgent cases with medical concerns to the relevant health services providers. The project was implemented using a community-based approach to ensure active engagement and participation from targeted groups as well as accountability to affected populations (AAP).  

RRF – 2023 – White Nile:

Recent conflict between Sudan Armed Force (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Khartoum, Darfur and different parts of Sudan resulted in one of the most horrible protection crises with massive displacement, death and injuries of civilians including children, women, elderly, and people with specific needs (PSNs). 15 % of internally displaced people (IDPs) have moved to WN State, they are sheltering in public buildings, or forced to sleep outdoors where they are exposed to violence, severe weather, and health threats. Harmful cultural practices including child labor and recruitment as well as separation from primary caregivers and families are observed. Sexual violence, early and forced marriage, intimate partner violence and organized GBV crime (including illegal Immigration, forced sex work) are the most common GBV violations.   We have shocking number of incidents of sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and psychical violence). Unfortunately access to survivor-centered legal protection and access to justice through formal mechanisms is very challenging, Limited specialized services increased the likelihood of sexual transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. Trafficking is also increasing during conflict due to the breakdown of political, economic, and social structures, high levels of violence and increased militarism Trafficking in persons, forced recruitment and abduction is widely spread.

The multi-sectoral project addressed the urgent lifesaving integrated CP, GBV and GP of the newly IDPs who fled their areas after theclashes between SAF and RSF on April 15^th. The project contributed to the reduction of incidents and effects of violence, abuse and exploitation and provided life-saving assistance in the  form of essential protection services particularly addressing the special protection needs of extremely vulnerable population communities through the establishment and training of Community Based Protection Networks (CBPNs), Complaint and Response Committees (CRCs) and referral mechanisms, provision of Psychosocial support services (PSS) , local capacity enhancement through awareness-raising, provision of direct support and assistance including provision of comprehensive case management for CP, GBV survivors and people with disability and distribution of  basic personal  hygiene Kits (PHKs) and mobility  aids , assistive devices and cloths   . The project enhanced the resilience of Health Care Workers (HCWs) through conducting training on Psychological first aid (PFA) which is very vital for comprehensive provision of PSS. As part of the direct support, the project will provide cash assistance to access medical treatment for patients with serious medical conditions as well as support and follow up on referral of urgent cases with medical concerns to the relevant health services providers. The project was implemented using a community-based approach to ensure active engagement and participation from targeted groups as well as accountability to affected populations (AAP).

SHF – area based Halfa – 2024:

The project was implemented as a continuation to the previous intervention in Halfa locality to build on the positive results achieved by the previous protection project and to scale up the response to the growing needs of the continuous displacement in Halfa and Adabbah. The project was implemented using integrated approach covering CP and GBV as well as integrated general protection activities. The project team carried out extensive consultations with local communities and stakeholders for smooth project implementation. The previous similar operations conducted by NADA in project targeted localities facilitated the ease of access of NADA protection team. The relevant stakeholders were briefed on the project scope, proposed response under the project in the targeted communities within the project lifespan. All project activities were executed based on community-based approach (CBPA), consultation and discussions with relevant authorities, target communities, community-based complaint and feedback mechanisms (CBCFMs) were vital implementation tools. NADA embraces CBCFMs by building capacity of targeted communities through equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to implement community driven solutions to their local communities. In that regard, NADA established community based Complaints and feedback mechanism (CBCFMs) to ensure better accountability to affected population(AAP ) . NADA team identified  25 unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) and provided them with case management including  counsellingand  other psychological support  services  such as referral .Howevercomprehensive  family tracing and reunification (FTR)  services were not completed within the project timelines due to the lack of alternative care arrangements.  According to the urgent needs for additional Psychosocial support (PSS) activities, NADA team utilized the balance amount to support children and their families  with PSS sessions using different methodologies  such as play and art therapy .

SHF – area based – 2023- Wadi Halfa:

The integrated protection project addressed the life-saving urgent and immediate protection needs of vulnerable individuals especially children and women among newly IDPs. Through an integrated community-based and participatory  approaches, the project focused on specialized protection services and improves individuals’ safety, security and dignity. All proposed interventions were gender and conflict sensitive analyzed, ensuring that CP, GBV and GP risks mitigation was well considered in the project design and execution. The project carried out extensive consultations with local authorities, community leaders and line ministries as an entry point for smooth project implementation. The Northern State was one of the states which was not familiar with the humanitarian aspects and programming. This protection operations were implemented in a society that did not recognize protection and particularly GBV as a critical issue.  Through the project ,initial resistance transitioned  into increased awareness on women rights and GBV issues, contributing to social cohesion and transformation.Information Education and communication materials (IEC) messages was  developed to meet the needs and capabilities of different categories within the targeted communities. In addition to that NADA will use different methodologies within the campaigns such as narrative theater, silent theater which address needs  of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Proposed activities are based on the needs and priorities of targeted communities, which have been collected through rapid need assessments, field visits, and discussions with community members and relevant ministries. NADA has accountability system and will consult with boys and girls, men and women to identify their best interest. Participation of women and children and PWDs was considered in light of  access, gender and culture . The activities were implemented with consideration to conflict and gender sensitivities.  NADA team tried to their level best to implement the activities in disability friendly manner NADA maintained the engagement of community members including PwDs in the implementation and monitoring of project’s activities. Information sharing were articulated in different ways such as readable, watchable IEC material i.e. drawing and sketches. Awareness raising messages were disseminated in accessible ways for PWDs

The project considered AAP through the community participation in designing, developing and implementing of all project activities. This was done through consultation meetings and focus group discussion. The focus group discussions had included women and girls to capture their distinct needs, particularly for dignity kits. The project applied participatory approach by involving beneficiaries in the development of the implementation plan. Project team confirmed the AAP through the followings:

1. Empowering: NADA identified and worked with outreach volunteers from community members to disseminate protection messages. Community based PSS sessions were conducted by community members and CBFCMs. Pre and post training reports were developed to incorporated the opinion of our rights holders in future intervention.

2. Feedback and Complaint Mechanism: NADA consulted communities on establishing a viable complaint mechanism. Complaints were validated through initial screening processes. NADA has well trained staff in complaints handling. NADA has developed a comprehensive Complaints and Response Mechanism  policy with clear guidance, SoPs and formats to ensure better accountability and transparency. Targeted communities and CBPCs members will be informed and trained on complain format. All NADA’s offices and community centres have complain box and its instructions were translators to different language to fit our beneficiaries needs.

 3.  Information sharing: NADA organized sessions with beneficiaries and CBFCMs to communicate relevant details about the project, especially related to the activity to be implemented in their respective community. 94% of them are satisfied with the provided services and assistance.

4. Avoid Causing Harm: The project followed the ‘Do no harm’ prior to and during the intervention of the project. The project team found that many communities in the project areas are diverse and explored ways to unite the community; one of the ways is to promote participation of people from various ethnic backgrounds together as members of community networks, with aim to increase coherence and strengthen the  social cohesion

Gender inclusion:

-       The Projects focuses on the  Participation  and equal representation of women and girls in Community structures  such as CBPNs and CBCFMs ,they showed strong willingness to express themselves and their protection concerns as well as children’s. In addition to that the project focused on  Women participation through out the project life cycle including NADA staff them selves, women participation in front line  GBV service providers training, awareness raising, and Distribution committees with special focus on the representation of women with disabilities.  The project was designed mainly to prevent GBV and CP violations and massively contribute to and respond to PSEA. NADA being a women led organization and a protection oriented organization with clear mandate of supporting, empowering and advocating for women rights with focus on Disability and access to services, active participation of women , girls and youth groups. was mainstreamed and highlighted in all project planned activities. NADA carried out extensive consultations with different women groups and based on their voiced concerns the project activities were designed to respond and mitigate GBV risks while raising awareness and sensitizing the targeted communities on the different protection risks ,concerns ,and , women rights.

-       the specific gender dynamics and disparities in the context of displacement Sudan, especially as this region having had been plagued by longstanding conflict and instability, presents unique challenges and vulnerabilities regarding gender issues: the patriarchal nature of the society, where traditional gender roles often reinforce unequal power dynamics. Women and girls typically face discrimination and marginalization, with limited access to resources, decision-making processes, and protection mechanisms. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in/displacement to Darfur/CD state has exacerbated these gender inequalities, leading to increased incidences of GBV, including sexual violence, domestic abuse, and forced marriage.

-       cultural norms and practices contribute significantly to GBV. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and honor-based violence persist despite legal prohibitions. These practices not only violate women's and girls' rights but also perpetuate cycles of violence and disempowerment.

-       NADA concluded that addressing GBV in this emergency context requires a comprehensive approach that considers the intersecting factors of gender, culture, conflict, and displacement. The selcted strategies thus focus on empowering women and girls, challenging harmful norms, strengthening protection mechanisms, and engaging men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and preventing violence. Through targeted interventions and community-based initiatives, this project aims to mitigate risks, support survivors, and foster long-term change towards a more equitable and violence-free society displaced women and their host communities.

Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation

o   allprojects explicitly addresses Gender Based Violence especially in this conflict setting, where violations are ocuuring in an already fragile context. Women and girls are subjected to higher risks of exposure to GBV given the absence of rule of law, compromised access to basic services, water/food and nutritional vulnerabilities. This leading to partner violence, forced marriages, sexual exploitation, FGM and rape.

o   The interventions explicitly address the GBV issues, thus directly contribute to the mitigation of GBV risks. Including comprehensive casemanagement and referral for GBV survivors, the provision of psychosocial support to GBV victims and the awareness raising of the communities on GBV.

o   all projectsincludes an extensive component addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) being a primary focus. All project personnel are required to undergo training on PSEA. NADA has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding PSEA, which is endorsed by all staff members.

o   all programs  targets IDPs and host communities, reducing thus IDP women’s’ risks of being assaulted by the host communities because they receive the services.

Age and Disability:

o   all projectsincludes interventions directly target children. The interventions include child protection interventions (ex. case management for child survivors of sexual violence, child labor, child recruitment, UASCs, referral of children to services providers, and alternative care).

o   The interventions -safeguarding and others- are designed as age-appropriate to be suitable to children and their vulnerability status.

o   Communication materials are designed context/disability/literacy and age specific, ensuring access of different groups to communication materials.

o   Young individuals, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are actively involved as stakeholders, decision-makers, and recipients of aid throughout every phase of the program cycle, thereby ensuring their meaningful participation and inclusion.

o   All activities within the projects are aimed at supporting Persons with Special Needs (PSNs), including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). PWDs were involved in the needs assessment process. Awareness sessions and informational materials were created with a Disability-friendly approach.

o   All project data will be reported on age and disability segregated data

UNFPA 2023-2024 - 2025:

Provision of comprehensive GBV and protection services to IDPs and host communities in Khartoum – North Darfur – River Nile- White Nile – Jazirah – Northern state

NADA’s interventions under UNFPA address’sall conflict related GBV issues, thus directly contributes to the mitigation of GBV risks. Including comprehensive case management and referral for GBV survivors, the provision of psychosocial support to GBV victims and the awareness raising of the communities on GBV. In addition to direct support (cash distribution / Cash and vouchers programs / distribution of dignity kits and sanitary napkins). More importantly NADA highlights institutional capacity building for government counterparts, frontliners and GBV and non- GBV service providers, community members, youth groups and women groups.

NADA also established Women and girls’ safe spaces (WGSS) across the different states.WGSS hosts all GBV activities. More importantly women and girls enjoy a safe space serving as as entry points for GBV, support identification of GBV survivors to benefit by referral to a range of services; disseminate GBV information, raise awareness on social issues, and provide recreational activities and psycho-social support including counselling inside the women centres.

 As a lead WLO in coordination platforms , NADA also leads a consortium of Women Led Organizations (WLOs) with support form UNFPA to strengthen the institutional capacity of WLOs through tailored programs and training , coaching and follow up and regular support to enable them to benefit from each funding opportunity as well as increase their beneficiary reach .NADA aims to strengthen WLOs as the frontline respondents in their communities, enhance their presence in all coordination and discission making platforms nationally and regionally.